BILL NUMBER: S8018
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to increasing
the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident without reporting
where such accident resulted in the death of a minor
 
PURPOSE:
This legislation will enact CJ's Law, which increases the penalties for
leaving the scene of an accident. without reporting where such accident
resulted in the death of a minor.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 sets what the act shall be known and may be cited as.
Section 2 amends paragraph c of subdivision 2 of section 600 of the-veh-
icle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 497 of the laws of 2022 to
add additional language outlining that any injury from leaving the scene
of a car accident without reporting where such accident results in the
death of a minor shall constitute a Class C Felony punishable by a fine
of not less than four thousand dollars nor more than eight thousand
dollars in addition to any other penalties provided by law.
Section 3 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation is named after ChristOpher Jack "CJ" Hackett, who was a
16 year-old Yonkers native who was tragically killed as the result of a
hit-and-run while riding an electric scooter in August 2022 by an
alleged drunk driver.
Children are among the most vulnerable members' of our society, and
their deaths leave lasting scars not only in their families but also in
their communities, schools and friend groups. By increasing the penalty
for leaving the scene of an accident without reporting where such acci-
dent resulted in the death of a minor, we can send a strong message that
this behavior will not be tolerated in New York State, We can also
provide a deterrent effect and discourage individuals from leaving the
scene of an accident, while providing justice for the family and friends
of the victims, who deserve to see those responsible for their child's
death held accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, this bill can help protect other innocent people on the
road, as drivers who leave the scene of an accident without reporting
may continue to drive recklessly and put others in danger. With the
possibility of increased penalties, we can help prevent future accidents
from occurring and protect our communities.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A7093 - Referred to Transportation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the state.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect six months after it shall have become a law.

Statutes affected:
S8018: 600 vehicle and traffic law, 600(2) vehicle and traffic law